Phd in ENVIRONMENTAL AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Thesis title: Mycoremediation of Agricultural Soil Contaminated by Glyphosate and Aminomethylphosphonic acid: an Integrated Approach

Glyphosate and its main metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), are among the most widely used and detected herbicides worldwide, representing a significant environmental challenge. This thesis adopted a multidisciplinary approach to characterize and address this issue by integrating chemical analyses, ecological studies, and innovative technologies. Metagenomic analyses revealed alterations in fungal community composition, with a prevalence of taxa adapted to chemical stress conditions, while isolation in enrichment conditions led, for the first time, to the isolation of Clonostachys rosea f. catenulata and Exophiala alcalophila from soils contaminated with glyphosate and AMPA. These fungi demonstrated the ability to tolerate and potentially utilize these compounds as a phosphorus source, revealing novel potential for mycoremediation. In addition, the thesis developed porous silicon–based biosensors functionalized with PSS:Rhodamine, which showed high potential in detecting patulin, opening new perspectives for real-time mycotoxin environmental monitoring. Overall, this research provides new perspectives for the sustainable management of glyphosate contamination, promoting soil health, food safety, and the protection of agricultural workers’ health.